The Great Britain is not regarded as one of the top destinations in the world for a seaside holiday, but the locals know that it has some very fine beaches. The mainland of the UK has a coastline of more than 11,000 miles and the distance increases to more than 19,000 miles if the larger islands are taken into account. There is a great diversity of landscapes along the UK coastline, ranging from sand dunes and rocky shores to sandy beaches and shingle beaches. As such, you can rest assured that you will find a beach in the UK that is suitable for your favorite seaside activities. Here are the top ten beaches in Great Britain.

Bournemouth in Dorset, England
Bournemouth has always been known as one the top city beaches in England, and it is particularly popular among beach-loving families. It features seven miles of soft golden sand and a lot of space for all kinds of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, paddling, surfing, and others. Presently, the construction of the first artificial surf reef in Europe is underway at Bournemouth, and it will make the beach one of the premier surfing spots in the UK once it is completed. Bournemouth has received awards for its cleanliness, and it offers a fantastic view of the famous Needles of the Isle of Wight on a clear day. It is not exactly a secluded paradise beach, but it is one of the best beaches that you can find within such close proximity to a big city. 

Abermawr Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales
If you want to spend a tranquil afternoon on a secluded beach, the Abermawr Beach is the perfect place for you. This shingle beach is surrounded by woodlands and marshes, and it offers excellent surfing and kiting opportunities. Although it is a remote place, Abermawr has great historical significance. It was the place where the first undersea telegraph cable was laid. Within a short distance from the beach, you will find the Abereiddi Blue Lagoon, an old quarry that is connected to the sea by a tidal channel. This lagoon has shimmering blue water, and its surrounding cliffs make it a fantastic place for coasteering and cliff-jumping. 

Holkham in Norfolk, England
Holkham was voted the “Best British Beach” by the Coast Magazine for three consecutive years, and it is definitely one of the British beaches that you should not fail to visit. This place is favored by the Queen and her Corgis, and it was the location of the final scene of the popular movie Shakespeare in Love. With about three miles of creamy sands, beautiful pine woods, and lots of shells for collecting, Holkham is the perfect place for spending a relaxing afternoon. When the tide is high, a semi-circular basin behind the shoreline will fill up to form a shallow lagoon. You can also enjoy horseback riding and do some nature exploration when you are at the beach.

Holy Island in Northumberland, England
Holy Island is one of the most scenic and haunting places in the UK. It had been a pilgrimage center and holy site for Christians for many centuries since 635 AD, and its main attractions are its historic structures. Other than providing a wonderful insight into Great Britain’s illustrious religious history, it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This amazing place is separated twice a day from the mainland by the tide, and it has miles of deserted sand. It is also known as a great bird-watching destination.

West Sands in St. Andrews, Scotland
The West Sands is the place where the opening scene of the 1981 sports drama Chariots of Fire was filmed. This two-mile beach is situated close to St. Andrews’ famous Old Course, and it is widely regarded as one of the top beaches in Scotland. With a vast and gently sloping expanse of sand, it offers safe swimming for children, and its surrounding dunes provide excellent shelter for picnics.

Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness, Scotland

With four miles of soft white sand and clean blue water, Sinclair’s Bay is as close to a paradise beach as you can get in Scotland. It has two 16th century castles in its vicinity, and it is a popular whale and porpoise-watching spot.

Porthcurrno in Cornwall, England

Porthcurno is certainly one of the most scenic beaches in Britain. This beach has fine white sand that is formed from sea shells, and it is surrounded by craggy cliffs. There are paths that lead to the top of the cliffs as well as rock pools and caves for you to explore. In the vicinity, you will find the Minack Theatre, which offers open-air plays and spectacular views of the ocean.

Blackpool in Lancashire, England
Blackpool is one of the few places in the UK that provides a truly traditional British seaside experience. Other than miles of sandy beaches, it features the most popular theme park in the UK, Pleasure Beach. There are endless things to do in Blackpool, including sunbathing and swimming, riding donkeys, playing slot machines, watching exciting live shows, and trying some of scariest rides that can be found in the UK. 

Croyde Bay in North Devon, England
With excellent waves as well as surfing shops and schools, Croyde Bay has established itself as the top surfing spot in North Devon. This beach has golden sand and clear water, and ample space for normal beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing. The Croyde Bay village offers a delightful experience of old world charm.

West Wittering in West Sussex, England
West Wittering has miles of white sand, excellent water quality, and beautiful sand dunes, and it is a great place for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, barbequing, windsurfing, kite surfing, and other activities. The beach slopes gradually into the sea, making it a safe place for children to swim. When the tide is low, you can have a relaxing time basking in the shallow tidal pools. If you are a nature-lover, you can take a stroll to East Head, a sand dune spit that is populated by wonderful coastal flora and fauna.